@ Edinburgh Playhouse, until Sat 21 May 2016

Annie is a well-known classic, based on the 1982 American musical comedy-drama film, adapted from the Broadway musical of the same name with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics from Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan, which itself was based on Little Orphan Annie, the 1924 comic strip by Harold Gray. With more than five adaptations in one form or another since its original film launch, does this new touring production of Annie live up to its predecessors?

Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search, along with her brother Rooster and his “moll” Lily.

The set design by Colin Richmond is a massive jigsaw puzzle, a metaphor for Annie’s life as she journeys through New York and tries to piece together her own life. Richmond, who is also responsible for the costumes, reminiscent of a combination of “Anta” tartans and the boho-ness of Anthropologie, have a richness to them, yet don’t detract from the fact that this is New York in the 30s, a tough place, full of deprivation and challenges.

And with direction by Nikolai Foster, and choreography by Nick Winston, this talented trio, with a list of credentials as long as your arms, have made a production bearing all the hallmarks of a winning show.

Alex Bourne is a strong Daddy Warbucks, displaying believable affection for the young Annie, whilst Scottish comedian and actress Elaine C Smith as Miss Hannigan was always going to be a winning formula for a Scottish audience.

She doesn’t quite win the audience over as much as Kathy Bates in the 1999 Disney version (but is a more credible choice than Cameron Diaz in the 2014 film), but her performance of Easy Street, along with Lily (Djalenga Scott) and Rooster (Jonny Fines) is particularly memorable – great interaction and fabulous choreography.

The young supporting cast – “Team Tiffany” – are enthusiastic, executing the dance routines with panache. And Madeline Haynes as Annie carries off the lead role with confidence and a fantastically strong voice. Labradoodle Amber as Sandy, the stray dog Annie adopts whilst out on the streets, also gives a winning performance.

It’s a hard knock life this reviewing lark, but with its well-known score and songs, this firm favourite for big and little kids is one that you should be booking for Tomorrow.